Stian Omnes: A Collection Rooted in Rovers Loyalty

Introduction

Welcome back to KitLegit’s Collectors Series Blog, where we uncover the stories woven into the fabric of football shirt collections worldwide. At KitLegit, we celebrate the passion behind every kit, from match-worn relics to childhood treasures. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Stian Omnes, known as wildroverfc on Instagram. A diehard Blackburn Rovers supporter, Stian’s collection of around 70 shirts is a curated love letter to his club and the European game. With a knack for hunting rare gems and a heart full of Rovers pride, Stian’s journey is one of patience, personality, and pure fandom. Let’s dive into his world of kits and memories.

A Collection Rooted in Rovers Loyalty

For Stian, football isn’t just a game—it’s a lifelong bond with Blackburn Rovers. His collection of around 70 shirts, with roughly 50 dedicated to Rovers and 20 spanning other European clubs, reflects a passion that began in childhood.

“The collection just started growing over the years from a kid,” Stian shares. “But if I have to put my finger on something, I just wanted a piece of history of each season with Rovers.” It’s a simple yet profound motivation: to hold onto the moments that define his club’s legacy, season by season, stitched into every kit.

Unlike collectors chasing sheer volume, Stian’s approach is deliberate. “It’s not the biggest collection in the world,” he admits, “but I don’t buy shirts just to buy shirts. I’m always looking for rare shirts or shirts that mean something to me personally.” That philosophy sets the tone for a collection that’s as meaningful as it is meticulously curated.

The 90s Masterpiece That Steals the Show

Every collector has a crown jewel, and for Stian, it’s the 1994-95 Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper shirt, emblazoned with Tim Flowers’ name. “It’s a 90s masterpiece,” he says, and it’s easy to see why. With its bold pattern and striking colors, the shirt stands apart from the rest of his collection.

“It’s so different from all the other shirts I have,” Stian explains. “It’s also very rare and has that 94/95 champions vibe.” That season, Rovers clinched the Premier League title, and this kit—worn by the legendary Flowers—carries the weight of that historic triumph. It’s not just a shirt; it’s a symbol of glory.

A One-of-a-Kind Shearer Gem

While the Flowers goalkeeper kit holds pride of place, Stian’s most valuable and rare shirt is something truly special: a 1992-93 Blackburn Rovers away shirt, match-worn by Alan Shearer. “The shirt was never available as a replica in long-sleeve version, so it’s an ultra-rare shirt,” Stian reveals. “Maybe one of a kind.”

In pristine condition and boasting a design that’s as beautiful as it is historic, this Shearer-worn piece is a collector’s dream. For Stian, Shearer isn’t just a Rovers icon—he’s a priority in his collection, with the striker’s name adorning several of his prized kits.

Rovers, Dack, and a Touch of European Flair

Stian’s heart belongs to Blackburn Rovers, but his collection has a broader European accent. “I try to buy Rovers shirts with different players,” he says, with a special focus on Shearer for vintage kits and Bradley Dack for modern ones. “In recent times, I’ve added four different shirts with Bradley Dack on the back. He was a favorite, and I met him three times.”

That personal connection elevates those shirts beyond mere memorabilia. Beyond Rovers, Stian has a soft spot for 90s Italian shirts and older Valencia kits. “I think 90s Italian shirts are beautiful,” he confesses, hinting at the aesthetic allure that draws him to Europe’s iconic designs. 

A Shirt Too Big, A Memory Just Right

Every collection has a story that tugs at the heartstrings, and for Stian, it’s his first-ever shirt: the 1996-97 Rovers away shirt, purchased in 1997. “It’s still in excellent condition and fits my size,” he laughs, before adding, “Back then, the only size in the store was XL. So in the late 90s, I wore a yellow shirt, way too big. It’s still too big 25 years later!” That oversized yellow kit, worn with pride by a young Rovers fan, is a reminder that some shirts carry more than fabric—they carry the joy of youth and the unwavering love of a supporter.

The Art of the Hunt

Sourcing shirts is an adventure, and Stian approaches it with a blend of strategy and trust. “New shirts, I always order right from the club shops,” he says. “Older vintage shirts, I search up at serious websites or serious Facebook groups.”

When it comes to authentication, Stian relies on a trusted ally: “I use KitLegit. It’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant.” For him, fakes have no place in his collection. “If a shirt I bought was fake, I would give it away,” he says firmly, underscoring his commitment to authenticity.

Challenges? Stian takes them in stride. “I can’t really see big challenges,” he chuckles, “but hiding new shirts from my wife is maybe the biggest!” Import charges also sneak into the equation, but they’re a small price to pay for the thrill of adding a rare kit to his roster.

Treasuring the Past, Preserving the Future

Stian treats his shirts with the reverence they deserve. “They’re hanging on a coat hanger, and I never wash them in a machine,” he explains. “I treat them with love.” It’s a simple but effective approach to preserving pieces like his Shearer match-worn shirt or that oversized 96/97 away kit. Each one is a chapter in his Rovers story, carefully maintained to last a lifetime.

Advice from a Rovers Romantic

For those just starting their collecting journey, Stian’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: “Just buy the shirts you want, not the shirts others want.” In a world where trends and hype can dominate, his words are a call to stay true to your own passions.

“Don’t hurry, it’s not a competition with others,” he adds. “Don’t buy fakes or remakes.” It’s wisdom born from years of hunting, collecting, and cherishing the kits that mean the most to him.

A Collection That Tells a Story

Stian Omnes’ collection is more than a showcase of rare shirts—it’s a testament to his love for Blackburn Rovers and the game’s rich history. From the championship swagger of his Tim Flowers goalkeeper kit to the personal pride of his Bradley Dack shirts, every piece reflects a moment, a player, or a memory that resonates deeply.

As he continues to hunt for that next rare gem, one thing is clear: for Stian, collecting is about heart, history, and the joy of being a Rovers fan.

Join us next time for another chapter in our Collectors Series Blog, where we’ll explore more stories from the world of football shirt collecting. Ready to find your own piece of football history? Visit KitLegit for authentic kits and trusted expertise. Got a shirt story of your own? Share it in the comments below and let’s keep the passion alive!